Mortgage brokers have an opportunity to capitalise on growing momentum within the investor community, according to the latest Mortgage and Finance Association (MFAA) / Bankwest, Home Finance Index.

The overall proportion of consumers understanding the benefits of using a broker is at its highest level (35.7 percent) since the low recorded in November 2008 (26.9 percent) - while preference for banks is down nearly 5 percent since July 2010.

Additionally, awareness of the services mortgage brokers can provide is at 78.9 percent, and broker awareness is at 95 percent generally.

“With increasing activity in the investor community, mortgage brokers have a tremendous opportunity to articulate a compelling value proposition based on convenience and choice,” said Mr Phil Naylor, CEO, MFAA.

In this eighth Index, the benefit of “getting the best deal” through a mortgage broker sky-rocketed 18 percent (67 percent from 53 percent in July 2010.) Experience also ranked strongly in the survey, with 30 percent of respondents stating brokers are more experienced than lenders – up from 24 percent in July 2010.

Bankwest Head of Specialist Lending Ian Rakhit said: “The broker channel has a clear opportunity during 2011 as home buyers search for value in terms of property prices and also mortgage products.”

“Upgraders and investors should be on the radar of brokers this year as they hunt around for a good deal,” added Mr Rakhit.

Mr Phil Naylor, CEO, MFAA added that “We are seeing consumers understand that mortgage broker benefits extend beyond the traditional realms of leg work and wider loan range”.

“Increasingly the ability to understand a client’s personal circumstances and finding interest rate deals are proving key reasons people are turning back to mortgage brokers,” he added.

The survey polled more than 1,100 people across Australia and is the eighth Index taken since 2004.